When is a church not a church?

Have church planters stopped using the word ‘church’ to describe their gatherings? That’s the claim in much of the mainstream media this week, as some accuse the Church of England of undertaking a “woke rebrand”. Emma Fowle takes a closer look at the story

A couple of years ago, we renamed our church. Previously called ‘Wadebridge Christian Centre’, the leadership decided it would, from this point forward, be known as ‘Connect Church’.

Explaining the change to the congregation, they unpacked how, whenever curious locals referred to “the Christian centre” as it was often called, it was with slight confusion. What exactly was a ‘Christian centre’, they mused? It sounded slightly new-agey, or perhaps a place for old people.

But everyone understands what a church is. Or do they?